The Real Thing
Opening Prayer
Clear your mind of your “to do” list. Meditate on one aspect of Jesus’ character that is important for you just now.
Read Colossians 1:15-23
[15] The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. [19] For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. [21] Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. [22] But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation- [23] if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What do we learn about who Jesus is?This passage makes clear the complete and utter supremacy of Jesus Christ and the complete and utter likeness between the Father and the Son (15,19). It spells out Christ’s place over creation, his activity in creation, and his ownership of creation. It describes the purpose for which he came, that which God intended him to fulfill. In establishing who Christ is and what his sacrifice means, Paul is perhaps beginning to address the heresy that the Colossians are struggling with. This heresy is never directly described, only alluded to, and it has various elements. Here, Paul’s concern is that the Colossians’ faith should continue to be secure and that their hope in Christ should not waver (23). Perhaps something or someone is causing their newfound beliefs to wobble; Paul says, “Look at Jesus.” Perhaps other forms of worship or other religious teachings are proving attractive; Paul says, “Focus on Christ–look at who he is and what he’s done.” Perhaps they’ve forgotten what they were like before becoming believers; Paul reminds them of that and of who they now are in Christ (21,22).
Apply
What doubts and fears have you been giving in to lately? How can refocusing on Jesus correct your attitude?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, fill the eyes of my spirit with Your glory. May I never forget the magnificence of who You really are.
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